Chiroptera (Bats)

The order Chiroptera includes over 1400 species, representing nearly one quarter of the world's mammals. Chiroptera is divided into the suborders Microchiroptera and Megachiroptera. Positioning for radiographs and CT can induce pulmonary atelectasis, and bats in an inverted position were found to have significantly decreased lung volume. Chiropterans possess musculoskeletal adaptations for flight, including a keeled sternum and elongated second to fifth metacarpals and phalanges to support the distal portion of the wing membrane. Chiropterans have a short gastrointestinal tract with variability in complexity between species. Insectivorous bats have a relatively simple stomach compared to frugivorous and nectarivorous species, which may possess an elongated fundic cecum. The uterine morphology of bats is most commonly bicornuate, but can be double, bipartite, bicornuate, or simple depending on the species.